MICHAEL Appleton dedicated Oxford United’s derby victory against Swindon Town to the club’s supporters.

A capacity crowd created a terrific atmosphere, helped by a stunning flag display in the East Stand organised by the Oxford Ultras.

Appleton was well aware of what the fixture means to supporters after experiencing last season’s derby.

And while United were purely motivated to win a game and climb the table, the head coach knew for those on the terraces it would kick-start a party which went long into the night.

“For the players and staff we’re delighted to win a derby, but the biggest thing for us is the three points,” he said.

“From our point of view it’s about the fans, they are the ones who will enjoy the weekend.

“We will as well, but it will probably not be much different to any other weekend when we win.

“The fans came out in their thousands and that result’s for them.”

The U’s boss had several reasons to be cheerful at the way his side performed.

But he was particularly pleased with the level of discipline the hosts exercised in a game where Swindon finished with nine men.

He said: “At half-time we said ‘we’ve had a fantastic week and done what we need to do in the first 45 minutes, don’t let ourselves down’.

“They certainly didn’t do that.

“Discipline was a big part of my speech to the players before the game.

“The reality is in these games the team that keeps their discipline the best is the one that normally wins.”

He added: “I thought the performance was very good.

“We made them do things they didn’t want to do.”